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Functionality description - time period comparison

Time period data comparison functionality available in all data views.

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Written by Adam z Data Octopus
Updated this week

FUNCTIONALITY DESCRIPTION - TIME PERIOD COMPARISON

The time period comparison functionality enables analysis of changes in business results by comparing data from the current period with the analogous previous period. The system automatically calculates comparative values for all metrics, providing a complete picture of trends and performance changes.

COMPARISON LOGIC

Automatic selection of comparative periods:

The system automatically matches the comparative period to the selected time range:

  • Last 7 days → comparison with previous 7 days

  • Last 30 days → comparison with previous 30 days

  • Last 90 days → comparison with previous 90 days

  • This month → comparison with previous month

  • Custom range → comparison with a period of identical length directly preceding the selected range

Universal application:

Period comparisons work identically for all types of metrics: sales, advertising, quantitative, and value-based.

AVAILABLE TYPES OF COMPARATIVE DATA

Current Period

The metric value achieved in the currently analyzed time period. This is the basic value that is always visible in every data view.

Previous Period

The metric value achieved in the analogous previous period. Data is visible after checking the "Show Previous Period" option in the user interface.

Change (Value) - Value change

The difference between the current and previous period values, expressed in the original metric units. Calculated using the formula: Current Period - Previous Period.

Interpretation examples:

  • 20 impressions = increase of 20 impressions (positive value indicates growth)

  • -15 orders = decrease of 15 orders (negative value indicates decline)

  • 150 PLN = revenue increase of 150 PLN (positive value indicates growth)

Change (%) - Percentage change

Percentage change in value between current and previous period. Calculated using the formula: (Current Period - Previous Period) / Previous Period × 100%.

Special case: When the Previous Period value is 0 and Current Period is greater than 0, the system automatically displays 100% growth, regardless of the actual current value.

USER INTERFACE

Default display settings:

The application displays by default only:

  • Current Period - value from the current period

  • Change (%) - percentage change

Additional display options:

In the upper left corner of each data view, two checkboxes are available:

"Show Previous Period" - When checked, displays an additional column with values from the previous period, enabling direct number comparison.

"Show Change Values" - When checked, displays an additional column with value change, showing the exact difference between periods in original metric units.

Complete comparative view:

After checking both options, the user sees a complete set of comparative data:

  • Current Period | Previous Period | Change (Value) | Change (%)

PRACTICAL APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Growth and decline analysis:

Scenario: Ad impressions in Current Period: 100, Previous Period: 80

  • Change (Value): 20 impressions (growth)

  • Change (%): 25% (growth)

  • Conclusion: 25% increase in product interest

Identifying new opportunities:

Scenario: Product sales in Current Period: 15, Previous Period: 0

  • Change (Value): 15 units (growth)

  • Change (%): 100% (growth)

  • Conclusion: New product started generating sales

Problem detection:

Scenario: Revenue in Current Period: 1200 PLN, Previous Period: 1800 PLN

  • Change (Value): -600 PLN

  • Change (%): -33%

  • Conclusion: Significant revenue decline requiring cause analysis

APPLICATION IN DIFFERENT CONTEXTS

E-commerce data (Shopify, IdoSell):

  • Comparing sales of products, brands, and categories

  • Analyzing changes in order and customer numbers

  • Tracking revenue trends

Advertising data (Allegro Ads, Google Ads):

  • Monitoring campaign performance over time

  • Analyzing changes in costs and conversions

  • Optimizing budgets based on trends

Time data (Daily, Weekly, Monthly):

  • Identifying seasonal patterns

  • Detecting performance anomalies

  • Strategic planning based on historical trends

RESULT INTERPRETATION

Positive changes (positive values):

  • Growth in sales, traffic, conversions

  • Campaign performance improvement

  • Business development in analyzed area

Negative changes (negative values):

  • Result decline requiring attention

  • Possible problems to solve

  • Areas requiring optimization

No changes (zero values):

  • Result stability

  • No growth or decline trends

  • Potential need for development actions

The time period comparison functionality is a key analytical tool enabling informed business decisions based on historical data and development trends.

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